Do you need to backfill your trenches for construction? You should pay special attention when filling trenches with utility lines.
There are several options for trench backfilling that may be suitable for your project.
Let’s start with what is a trench backfill?
Backfilling refers to the act of putting soil back into a trench or foundation after the excavation or any other related work has been completed. Backfilling trenches requires heavy equipment and skills as well as knowledge about the specifications, soil conditions and contract requirements.
Every area of soil is unique and requires different construction methods in order to get the desired results.
How does the Backfill process work?
Proper compaction is required to make backfill material. There are also backfill methods available for fine material and other soil types. There are unique considerations when filling and compacting the trenches for utility lines.
The type of soil determines what type of backfilling method is used. Backfilling with stone compacts is different to backfilling clay and plastic soils. However, everything is accomplished mechanically.
When compacting and placing backfill, crews must take care not to overload shafts, cables, cabling, structures or other buried elements.
Sometimes, you might need to think about whether a pipe is present or how you will make a pavement. If there are any installations involved, a different backfill method should be considered.
These are the 4 Trench Backfill Techniques You Need to Know
These are the most common trench backfill techniques:
1. Jetting
This is also called “water jetting” and involves the application of pressure water through a long, metallic device into the trench.
Water Dissipation reduces trench volume. This is recommended for granular soil types. Clay is not the best type of soil to use for jetting. The trench can cause uneven pavement or falls, causing a depression in your roadway.
2. Filling (Flowable fill)
Flowable Fill is a cement-based mixture that is delivered directly to the site.
Although flowable fill is generally efficient, it can cause issues if the flowable material is too tightly covered to any pipes. Pipes should be covered with protective material before being filled. It is a good idea to not fill the trench with the exact same fill in more then one batch. The fill will not be as level or even if it spreads to other areas.
3. Dumping
This is done by filing a trench using granular material, without any compaction. However, this method comes with some limitations. Granular aggregates can be porous so fine material may get in. This method is preferred by contractors because it doesn’t require trench compaction.
4. Compacting
Compacting refers to the use of soil and other organic materials to dig trenches.
It is important to have a solid understanding of the soil before compacting backfill trenches. This method is used to backfill trenches. It is important to understand the soil mechanics.
Because they have lower frequencies, tamping rammers work better in clay and other cohesive materials. Vibration plates are better for granular materials like sand because they have higher frequencies.
Compaction can be more costly than other methods but will pay off when the project is completed.
Get in touch with Specialty Grading today!
Most building owners ignore trench backfill, even though this is an important step in the construction process.
Although the costs and procedures may vary, there are many activities that must be done to prepare the foundation for your building or home.
If you require tree service, trench backfilling, heavy equipment or construction equipment in Yavapai County, contact Specialty Grading. We understand what you want so we offer efficient and great value services!
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This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Septic System Installation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind!